~The Nature of Herbs~

Healing

• Some herbs contain properties that ease pain. Still others have antibiotic qualities within them. And others add strength to our own healing ability.
• Aromatherapy is one way that herbs can assist in our healing process. Our nose picks up a scent, passes signals to the brain, and the brain releases a chemical that our body responds to. Sometimes that response is relaxation. Sometimes that response is a mood change. Sometimes that response is invigoration. Each response can help the body rejuvenate.
• Herbs don't have to plucked from the dirt and ingested to help us. They are easily obtained from many stores in capsule form. Herb shops carry them in oils and tinctures and powders.

Nutrition

• Every try to eat a bowl of chili that did have chili powder in it? Spices are herbs. Some of them retain their healing qualities even through the heat of cooking provided they aren't cooked too long.
• Some herbs can be meals in themselves. Cabbage, for example, is an herb. Betcha didn't know that!
• Many desserts can be made from herbs also. Everything from candied rose petals to ice cream....mint juleps to mint jellies.

Beauty

• A vase of fresh roses is lovely to look upon. The scent they carry awakens senses of warmth and caring. Not only can you eat roses and enjoy the aromatherapy aspects, but the visual effect has a soothing aspect that has been enjoyed for eons. Flowers are indeed herbs.
• Asthetics are enjoyed by both men and women, and plants should be a part of that. That doesn't mean that flowers are the only way to go. Greenery is just as potent a stimulus as flowers. Remember the scent of pine boughs at Christmas? What about the firm strength of holly? And the gentle coolness of leaves? All are herbal...believe it or not!